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Nutrition tips for during your period

Nutrition tips for during your period

During your period it is best to spoil yourself with a piece of chocolate, but also try to take good care of your body and eat healthy.

This article is contributed by Anita from JasperAlblas.nl. Also read her previous article:Detox in 24 hours.

This is how you get through autumn without menstrual complaints
Anita: Summer is over, the days are getting shorter and the weather colder; it's autumn. You might catch a cold, and if you still have your period, it won't get any better. Abdominal cramps, dizziness, a short fuse… It certainly doesn't make you feel fitter.

The following nutrition tips will hopefully make you feel fitter again soon:

1. Snack? Eat a banana Bananas are easy to take with you, are a tasty and healthy snack and quickly give you the energy you need. In addition, bananas are full of B vitamins and potassium. Potassium counteracts abdominal cramps and bloating. In addition, this sweet fruit contains melatonin, which helps your body to stay in its natural rhythm and sleep well. A good night's sleep is never wrong if you want more energy in your daily life, but sleeping well during menstruation also ensures that your hormones have enough time to recover. Result:a short fuse less quickly.

2. Breakfast with oatmeal
Oatmeal is full of zinc and magnesium. These are minerals that reduce the risk of stomach cramps. Start your day with a delicious bowl of oatmeal. You can flavor oatmeal in endless ways. For example with some almond milk, cinnamon and fruit – such as blueberries. It ensures that you are not hungry until lunch and that you get through the morning energetic.

3. Green leafy vegetables
Because you can often feel weak and lethargic during your period, it is wise to eat extra greens. Think especially of kale and spinach. These delicious leafy vegetables contain a lot of calcium, which relieves all the extra aches and pains during your period. They are also full of vitamins E, B6 and magnesium, which make your body strong and provide you with much-needed energy. These vegetables also contain iron, which you can put to good use:due to the blood loss during your period, you lose iron and your iron requirement is slightly higher than normal.

4. Drink a green smoothie every day
Unlike sweets – which you regularly crave during your period – eating (and drinking) green leafy vegetables gives you an immediate energy boost. It prevents you from having unnecessary binges, gives you a lot of energy and also ensures that you get a radiant skin - also very welcome during the always less charming menstrual period. Process spinach and/or kale in a smoothie, a delicious way to consume this greenery every day.

5. Drink water and herbal tea
If you maintain your water level during your period, you will be less likely to suffer from headaches or lethargy. Take a bottle of water with you to work, so that you can easily keep track of how much you have already drunk. To make it extra tasty, you can add a little thyme, lime, lemon, mint or orange to the water. Deliciously fresh! The more attractive you make it to yourself, the less likely you are to indulge in soft drinks or sweets. It also helps to make yourself a nice cup of herbal tea at night before you go to bed. This counteracts the abdominal cramps and it is a moment for yourself to relax.

More tips about losing weight and healthy nutrition can be found on the Jasper Alblas website>>

Text:Anita Mulderij | Image:Shutterstock